Little is known about the blue-eyed beast, other than the fact that it was originally unveiled in July’s behind-the-scenes sizzle reel from D23. Seen scurrying across the sun-scorched plain toward a massive gateway (a Resistance outpost, perhaps?), the crystal-covered animal stops and gazes toward the horizon, where a fleet of gorilla walkers (real name: AT-M6 Walkers) are closing in fast.

Assuming that is indeed the case, and the skulk of ice foxes is seeking shelter within a Resistance base, we’re inclined to believe that the animals have established some form of amicable bond with the Resistance, and may even serve as scouts to help secure the perimeter. What’s more, earlier in the trailer the Millennium Falcon was seen gliding through a blood-red cave teeming with crystals, so there’s a very good chance that their natural habitat is located just beside Resistance outpost, one that was originally built by the Rebel Alliance during the height of the Galactic Empire.

Pretty cool, no? If nothing else, the blue-eyed fox is further proof that The Last Jedi is about to introduce a diverse range of aliens come December. From the bug-eyed porgs to the rich assholes populating Canto Bight, ardent Star Wars fans needn’t worry about a lack of new creatures in two months’ time.

Expect the ice foxes (and the porgs!) to feature prominently when Star Wars: The Last Jedi zooms into theaters on December 15th. Word is Rian Johnson and Co. have rustled up a cliffhanger ending – not unlike Empire – which ought to leave Star Wars fans on edge right up until the launch of Episode IX in 2019. And that’s December 2019, after Lucasfilm chose to delay its threequel in order to lend more time to J.J. Abrams and Chris Terrio (Justice League).